Senior Policy Associate

The American Flood Coalition (AFC) is a nonpartisan group that drives transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. AFC comprises more than 470 elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses that work together to advance resilient and equitable flood solutions at the local, state, and federal level. As the only organization that focuses on flooding across all levels of government, AFC is uniquely positioned to transform how communities around the country adapt to flooding and sea level rise.

Position Summary

We are seeking a mid-career candidate to join our federal Government Relations & Policy team as Senior Policy Associate. The person in this position will help develop and implement AFC’s bold and strategic federal policy agenda to achieve our mission. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a strong understanding of the federal legislative process, an ability to think creatively, outstanding interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and a desire to advance complex public policy solutions. If you wish to work alongside a talented group of people intent on helping flood-affected communities adapt and thrive, we want to talk to you. This is a full-time position reporting to our Policy Director and located in our headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Advance AFC’s mission at the federal level by proactively developing policy proposals, providing expert insights and feedback to questions from Hill and/or federal agencies, and generating new opportunities for AFC to engage on key policy questions;
• Handle a policy portfolio covering a range of issues that require a strong understanding of policy development at the federal level, the role of federal policy in state and local government decision-making, and the ability to quickly move between policy issues with ease;
• Support the Government Relations team in representing AFC on Capitol Hill, including through development of policy proposals to pitch to specific offices, meeting with Hill staff, and by managing relationships with offices;
• Help develop and maintain external-facing communications that educate and inform our membership, Hill offices, and the public on the challenges posed by flooding and associated solutions;
• Create persuasive policy materials, fact sheets, talking points, letters, testimony, and social media posts to persuade and inform diverse audiences; and
• Bring a collaborative working style to develop, advance, and embed Government Relations & Policy goals within cross-organizational projects, events, and strategy.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, such as blended experience in the House or Senate, in a relevant federal agency role (e.g. intergovernmental or legislative affairs), government relations firm, or policy development role at an advocacy organization.
• A track record of developing new and unique policy proposals and the capacity to apply those skills across a variety of issue areas;
• Expertise of the issue areas/portfolios tied at least 1 of the following Congressional committees preferred:
  • House & Senate: Appropriations; Agriculture; Armed Services
  • House: Transportation and Infrastructure; Science, Space, and Technology
  • Senate: Environment and Public Works; Homeland Security and Government Affairs; or Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• Knowledge of transportation and/or military/national security issues preferred, but not required;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and experience tailoring messaging to a variety of specific audiences required;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated track record of network building across both sides of the aisle required;
• Strong political and strategic instincts with experience navigating diverse coalitions required; and
• Bachelor's degree required.

Benefits

• Salary range: Senior Associate: $77,000 - $99,000
• Generous and flexible PTO;
• Health, dental, and vision insurance;
• 401k plan with 4% employer match;
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, as well as basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits; and
• Relocation assistance (for candidates currently living outside of the DC metropolitan area).

We also offer:

• A hybrid work schedule (all staff are in-person Tuesdays and Thursdays with flexibility to regularly work from home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays);
• Company sponsored outings such as happy hours, after-work socials & activities, an annual holiday party, and more;
• Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day; and
• A modern office with amenities including lots of snacks, business casual dress code, gym access, and a collaborative floor plan with options to suit every workstyle.